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Highlanders bring out the big guns for Blues

By Online Editors
Wednesday 20 Mar 2019

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlanders will field a strong side against the Blues for Friday’s Super Rugby Round Six clash at Eden Park.

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The forwards will have the experience of Liam Coltman, Tom Franklin and Luke Whitelock – combined with exciting young players Pari Pari Parkinson and Shannon Frizell.

Hooker Ray Niuia will get his first run from the bench, with Josh Dickson and Jackson Hemopo adding plenty of size to the matchday 23.

  • Continue reading below …

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In the backs, Thomas Umaga-Jensen will again partner Patelesio Tomkinson in the midfield, while the experienced Marty Banks gets his first start at flyhalf.

Young pivots Folau Fakatava and Josh Ioane will provide cover for the inside pairing and the versatile Richard Buckman rounds out the back reserves.

Those unavailable due to injury include Tevita Nabura (knee – out for the season), Liam Squire (knee, eight to 10 weeks) and Rob Thompson (ankle).

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (co-captain), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Patelesio Tomkinson, 12 Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Marty Banks, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock (co-captain), 7 Dillon Hunt, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Pari Pari Parkinson, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Ayden Johnstone.
Replacements: 16 Ray Niuia, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Siate Tokolahi, 19 Josh Dickson, 20 Jackson Hemopo, 21 Folau Fakatava, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Richard Buckman.

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Date: Friday, March 22
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant referees: Nic Berry, Brendan Pickerill
TMO: Ben Skeen

* In case you missed it: The Blues team

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